Why am I not able to sit straight for a long time?

Question

Hello doctor,

I never in my life able to sit straight, like I see people sitting straight for hours, and I get extremely tired in 5-10 minutes maximum while sitting straight. At random times, I just get a sharp pain in my lumbar area and I am unable to move for a few minutes. I randomly have problems (something like sciatica) it gets resolved after sometime, but I keep getting them frequently. I feel like my nerve on the left leg is stretching or stuck somewhere, from around my lap area. When it happens my left side of the shoulder and cervical area feel affected too. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

What you describe suggests that you have a weak core and even though this is correctable, you will need to confirm this and rule out other causes like scoliosis, lumbopelvic syndrome, etc.

Firstly, you will need to get an x-ray of the spine dorsal 10 to S2 such that we can look at the alignment and rule out structural issues.

Secondly, you need to use lumbar support while sitting and use an ergonomic chair to help with this.

Thirdly, you need to do core strengthening exercises like planks, bridges, and gluteal strengthening exercises along with flexibility exercise too.

Please report to me after the x-ray.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can see three things in the x-ray (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

First, the x-rays show straightening of the lumbar lordosis and thoracolumbar curve.

Second, there is evidence of scoliosis with a curve to the left though this is mild.

Thirdly, as you have symptoms with these findings, then this is an indication for doing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the lumbar spine and screening the whole spine. Also, I had asked for the SI joints to be x-rayed and they have not been done.

Please take anti-inflammatory tablets like Piroxicam 20 mg twice daily after meals and get the MRI done and contact me.